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Julia Owen’s Black Gold begins with an early morning drive to Soldier’s Point and an hours walk down a bush track. But Rimu and Ollie are to full of excitement about having a week alone in a camping trip to notice they have company on their secret beach. Two paua-hunters and an abused young boy have occupied the cave before them. When the two men discover the presence of Rimu and Ollie, they threaten to kill them for the sake of the economically-dear paua. But the two boys, with help from their dog Ratty, prevent them of escaping with their sackfuls of paua.
Rimu despises of the family dog, Ratty, who he calls ‘dumb dog.’ He thinks he’d prefer a ‘real dog’ like a Rottweiler, until Ratty saves Ollie’s life and proves to be far from dumb. For that, Ratty earns a new name ... Rambo. Rambo is considered a wonder dog, and a ‘real dog’ compared to Ratty. Among canine superheroes, Rambo would have to be one of the most popular among the New Zealand Police for that day atleast. He remains well-respected and almost worshiped by Ollie, who from that day forward gives him extra attention and backs him up when Rimu ever tries to call him any more names. He is a hero who meant life and death in the story, and added surprise to an exciting plot.
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